Oxlad-Chamberlain keen to earn Wenger trust

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain wants to repay the faith shown in him after making his full Premier League debut against Manchester United.

The 18-year-old was lively for Arsenal in their 2-1 defeat and created Robin van Persie’s equaliser before being replaced by Andrey Arshavin, a decision which was met with a hostile reception from the home support.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has since stated that he made the wrong decision in withdrawing Oxlade-Chamberlain, but the winger insists he was happy with his performance.

“I was happy to get a start and obviously against opposition like Man United – it doesn’t come any better than that,” Oxlade-Chamberlain told Arsenal Player.

“I guess it does (show that Wenger has faith in him) and that is a positive for me to take away, having the boss’ trust.”

“I’ve got to make sure I repay that with my performances, working hard in training and when I’m on the pitch.”

“Overall I was happy with my performance and happy to contribute to Robin’s goal. It was positive for me and mentally it puts you in a good position.”

“That can always change in football though – you can have one good game and the next game is a bad one. You’ve got to deal with the highs and the lows.”

“It was a nice performance from me and I’ve got to make sure I keep my place now.”

Arsenal are fifth on the Premier League table after Sunday’s defeat, 18 points behind leaders Manchester City.